Bob Mould, 30 years on
Posted on March 30th, 2009 – 10:07 PMBy Chris Riemenschneider
A few songs into his first-ever set at the Varsity Theater tonight (the crowd had to confirm to him it was his first time there), Bob noted the semi-momentous timing of the show: It fell on the exact date, March 30, when Husker Du played their very first show 30 years ago at Ron’s Randolph Inn. Ah, Ron’s (or was it “the Randolph” for short?) “You gotta start somewhere,” he cracked.
Instead of riffing on the Huskers, though, he also mentioned that this year marks the 20th anniversary of “Workbook,” his first solo album. And with that, he launched into the best part of the 90-minute set, a four-song run of “Workbook” songs delivered with extra emotion and as much sentiment as one can get out of such venomous songs. “Poison Years” was nicely amped up with his lone bandmate for the night, bassist Jason Narducci, who played electric guitar during that one and a couple more. They also sounded pretty great together on the three new songs from “Life and Times” (out April 7), one of which – “I’m Sorry Baby But You Can’t Stand in My Light Anymore” he introduced as “the best song I’ve written in forever.” Here’s the whole set list:
Wishing Well / Hear Me Calling / Hoover Dam / See a Little Light / The Silence Between Us / Poison Years / Sinners & Their Repentances / Brasilia Crossed With Trenton / Hardly Getting Over It / Life and Times / The Breach / I’m Sorry Baby But You Can’t Stand in My Light Anymore / Circle of Friends / I Apologize / Celebrated Summer
ENCORE: If I Can’t Change Your Mind / Makes No Sense
2 Responses to "Bob Mould, 30 years on"
I agree with you, Chris-this show was amazing. Bob really seemed genuinely happy up on stage, and his music was revitalized compared to the last time I saw him. And his vocals were crisp and clear. Really a wonderful show.
You forgot to include the stellar Sugar song “Your Favorite Thing” in your setlist (played after “Silence Between Us”). Also, the string of songs played from Workbook amounted to three songs in a row, not four (but 5 of the first 9 songs were from Workbook).
A brilliant show-I feel lucky to have been there.
It was, of course, great to see the big turnout. Even though I had to watch the show looking through the gap between the steps of the steel stairs at the back of the theater (”Stay Off!”), the time flew by.
My favorite: Hear Me Calling. I don’t recall that being played at any other show I’ve seen, and it may be my favorite Bob song. Yay.
Sorry to hear that Bob had to head to the hospital not long after the show. Glad that things seem to be fixed up. The wonders of antibiotics…
